Dallineation

I need to do better at recognizing the tremendous blessings in my life and acknowledging God's hand in all of them.

A favorite hymn among Latter-day Saints is “Count Your Blessings”. It's fun to sing and has a good message.

(1) When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Chorus Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.

(2) Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.

Chorus

(3) When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold. Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

Chorus

(4) So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Chorus

It's easy to fixate on what I don't have or on bad things that have happened. But I have everything I need. And good things have happened, too.

I'm reminded of a favorite scene from a favorite movie, “Joe Versus the Volcano” – the “moon scene.”

Joe and Patricia are stranded in the middle of the ocean. The situation is looking pretty grim. Joe, thirsty and exhausted, is awakened from a restless sleep by a most magnificent moonrise.

The moon, larger than life, slowly rizes above the horizon. Gazing at the celestial spectacle unfolding before him, Joe struggles to his feet and raises his arms in amazement, basking in the brilliant moonlight.

And then Joe says: “Dear God, whose name I do not know, thank You for my life.”

It's a beautiful scene, and one I reflect on whenever I think about counting blessings, especially during the hard times.

I want to be like Joe and thank God for my life, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Discuss...

#100DaysToOffload (No. 145) #lent #gratitude #faith #Christianity